5 Ways You Can Provide Support for a Dementia Caregiver

May 6, 2019

Caring for a loved one with memory loss is time-consuming, emotional and rewarding. In fact, many caregivers sacrifice their income, their jobs, time spent with family and friends and self-care to ensure their loved one is safe, happy and well. Caregiving is not an easy job. There are endless tasks to do, challenging behaviors to face and new experiences and changes each day. Often, caregivers get little to no support. Whether this is because others aren’t sure what to do to help or because they live far away, there’s usually something that can be done to help provide them with some extra, much-needed support.

Robin Crum, Executive Director of YourLife™ of Pensacola, a Memory Care community in Pensacola, FL, states that caregivers often suffer from stress and burnout because of the array of issues and tasks they need to face each day. “Many caregivers understand that dementia provides very little stability and that each day can bring something new; however, as dementia progresses, so do the challenges and tasks that need to be accomplished. From picking up prescriptions, planning for the future and spending time rejuvenating, caregivers rarely get a break, this is why they so often rely on the support of those who offer assistance – and why it’s important that you offer assistance as much as you can.”

Providing Support for Caregivers of Seniors with Dementia

Although you may not know where to start, consider some of these ways you can help support a caregiver of someone with memory loss. If possible, try more than one of these items or even take one of their tasks over completely. Many underestimate just how much one thing off of a caregivers plate can help!

Cook a meal. Whether you are cooking for the caregiver or the loved one with memory loss, taking this job off their plate can be a welcome change. Whether they get to enjoy a break while you cook, catch up on laundry or even continue tending to their loved one, they are likely to be very grateful for your assistance.

Pick up prescriptions or go grocery shopping. Going out with a loved one with dementia can be difficult. If you’re out, try giving the caregiver a call to see what they may need to be picked up. Whether it’s a prescription, their loved one’s favorite food or a snack they asked for, this gesture can go a long way.

Take your loved one to doctor’s appointments. Take a task of the caregiver’s list by picking your loved one up and taking them to their doctor’s appointments. Ask the caregiver to keep you in the loop or keep appointments on your calendar to ensure you’ll be available to take them to any others they may need,

Plan an activity. An activity can help to occupy someone with memory loss for a decent amount of time. Chances are, their caregiver tediously plans activities to ensure they are having engaging and fun days. Take the lead this time, and make a plan. Go for a walk in the park at their best time of day. Spend some time reminiscing over old photo albums. Watch their favorite movie or attend a live outdoor performance. These can not only brighten their day and shake up their routine, but it can also boost their mood and allow them to sleep a little better, too!

Schedule a respite care stay. Whether you live close by or live far away, do some research and find a leading memory care community, such as YourLife™ of Pensacola, and consider scheduling a respite stay for your loved one with dementia. This will give the caregiver a break and allow them to take some time for themselves, to rest or catch up, all while knowing their loved one is in a safe, enriching environment that they can also enjoy.

If you or a loved one are caring for someone with memory loss, know that you aren’t alone. For some additional tips on how you can help to support someone caring for a loved one with memory loss, contact the team at YourLife™ of Pensacola. Our expert team would be happy to provide tips, advice, support and more to help guide you on your journey. We also host support groups where you can meet with others facing a similar situation, learn caregiving tips from professionals and simply relax. Contact us today!

The Memory Care Your Loved One Deserves.

Offering the very best in Memory Care, YourLife™ of Pensacola was designed specifically with residents in mind. We’ve created a community where residents can define their own lifestyle, based on their preferences, needs and story, all while having the peace of mind of 24-hour support and the freedom to define their own lifestyles.

Because we focus solely on Memory Care, all of our resources and attention are on catering to each resident’s needs while providing unequaled peace of mind for families. Our licensed nurses and YourLife™ Personal Care Specialists are on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide personally inspired care and support, no matter what your needs. With such dedicated care, our residents have the support they need to live as independently and engaged as possible.

At YourLife™ of Pensacola, YourStory comes to life. Whether you want to enjoy our exclusive activities and YourStory programming, spend time exploring our services and amenities, relax in our easy-to-navigate Memory Care neighborhoods and living areas or try something new, the choice is entirely up to you. Contact us to learn more!